This Week's Most Popular Stories Concerning Car Key Lost
How to Find a Car Key Lost
If car keys get lost, it's a big problem. The cost of replacing them could be several hundred dollars, dependent on the type and features included.
For traditional keys made of metal, you can usually get a replacement from an hardware store or locksmith. For smart keys, you'll need find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit an auto dealer to purchase an additional key and have it paired with your car.
Identifying your keys
The most stressful thing that could occur to any driver is the loss of their keys to their car. When you reach into your bag or pocket and can't find keys, it's difficult to figure out what to do. It's best to stay calm and follow a step-by-step approach to finding your keys.
Begin by identifying the type of car key you have. If you have a conventional mechanical key, which only controls the locks it is possible to ask a locksmith to create duplicate keys at a low rate. You can also get an alternative from the dealer, but they are usually more expensive.
The majority of newer cars come with a smart key which activates the car's sensor for keyless ignition and entry. These keys are more difficult to lose because they have built-in features that keep the track of the location of the key. Keep your smart key close at hand or you may have trouble finding it.
Find your usual hiding places first, before moving to another place. Check your coat pockets as well as shoes and bags you've carried throughout the day. You can also try walking back through the day and following your steps to determine where you might have lost the key.
You should contact a dealer or locksmith for assistance if have exhausted all your search options, but you are still unable to locate your car key. If you can show proof of ownership, they can make you a replacement. You can also visit Home Depot to have a basic key copied for vehicles that doesn't have transponder chips.
Even if you don't lose your keys often it is recommended to keep a spare key on the go. It's possible to do this in a few different ways, but the most common is to give a duplicate key to a family member or trusted friend. You can also buy a Bluetooth tracker that you attach to your keys. lost key car will notify you where they are at every moment of the day.
Making a copy
It's easy to lose a key, which is an important part of your vehicle. Many car owners are in situations where keys are lost or are not working at the most inconvenient times. Losing your keys can be a hassle and frustrating, no matter if it's while at the gas pump, loading groceries into the trunk, or after working for a long time.
If you have an extra key, this can be a lifesaver in such situations. If you don't have an additional key you can easily and inexpensively make duplicates at many hardware stores or locksmiths. It's also a good idea to keep an additional key in your wallet just in case!
Many people believe that they need to go to a dealer in order to get a brand new car key. However, this is not always true. The complexity of the key and the type you own will determine how it operates.
Most modern cars have keys that are more than metal blades. They also have chips inside them which require programming in order to start the engine. They are not the kind keys that you can cut at the self-service kiosks located at the mall. They also cannot be used with other keys.
The easiest way to make a key copy is to go to your local AutoZone and ask an associate to make use of a machine that can detect the contours of the key, and then compare it to a blank key and cut it for you. It's a simple procedure that will only take you about a minute to complete. Some locations even have a device that can program the key for your specific model of car.
Other places that could help you with copies of your car keys include family owned hardware stores, big box home improvement stores and a few chain grocery stores. It is important to remember that these copies can only be used for the ignitions and doors of your vehicle, not the remote keys. It is recommended to speak with a locksmith in order to create a duplicate of an electronic key or dealer chip key, since they are only copied by a professional who has the proper equipment and tools.
Requesting an Replacement
There are a variety of options for getting a new car key if it is lost. You can either go to the dealership which sells your car or visit an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It also depends on what kind of key you have. Some have a simple, double-edged type while others are more complicated.
You can find a list of locksmiths for cars in your local area by conducting an online search. You should find one that is specialized in car locksmiths in auto-related services and has an auto division. You can then contact them to get a quote for the creation of a new key. Some have a mobile unit which can travel to your location and make you an exact key right there. This is extremely convenient for those who have a traditional key that doesn't have a chip in it.
A lot of cars come with a keyfob, which is an electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your car from an extended distance. The fob can also be used to start your engine as well as control other functions in your car. A fob can be very difficult to find. There are ways to avoid this from happening, such as by keeping a spare in your pocket.
Dealerships can replace keys that are lost however it could be expensive. They might also charge an extra fee for this service, which is the reason many prefer to use an automotive locksmith instead. Certain locksmiths specialize in replacing keys to cars, which could be a less expensive alternative than visiting the dealer.
If you own an electronic key, you will need to return your car to the dealership to get it replaced. They will need to program the new key to your vehicle. This typically involves closing and opening doors and turning on lights and electronics and off. You'll need the VIN number for your vehicle, a photo ID and the other set of keys that you carry with you.
Losing a car key is always frustrating, but it can be more difficult when you are in a hurry and have to get somewhere. There's no reason to panic, however. Be sure to search diligently for your keys, get a key-finder tag so that they're easier to locate, and also consider getting a spare fob so that this situation doesn't occur again.
Get Help
We could lose our keys to our cars when we are distracted or not paying attention. These accidents can be frustrating when you accidentally drop them in a river when fishing, or forget them at a restaurant when you're eating. Luckily, there are ways you can avoid these scenarios from happening in the future and minimize the damage that occurs when they do occur.
One of the best things you can do is to make sure you always have a spare key handy. This will save you the hassle of having go back to your steps or pay for expensive locksmith service. You can also purchase a Bluetooth key-finder tag that can aid you in finding your keys. These tags are available online at an affordable price.
The majority of hardware stores will cut a new mechanical key for those who own older cars. Many cars use key fobs that have a lot of technology. If you lose these, they can be expensive to replace.
If you have roadside assistance coverage, the insurance company may arrange for a locksmith make a new copy. Depending on the kind of key you have it could be less expensive than creating a new key at an auto dealer.
Another option is to reach out to the dealership from which you purchased your vehicle and inquire if they can assist you with creating the new key. This can be more expensive than working with a locksmith, but it could also be more relaxing to choose a dealership you know.
A locksmith could deprogram your old key, making it inoperable. It is recommended to have a professional handle this procedure as it could be very dangerous. Certain locksmiths can perform this without disassembling the key however it's generally better to have the dealership do it for you, so that you can guarantee that it's done correctly.